Page:Poems Cook.djvu/279

Low as thou art, thou shalt be heard,—
Stand forth, thou need'st not fear my word."

A tiny flower from the shade,
Whose head scarce topp'd the emerald blade,
Came with a sad and plaintive tone,
And thus address'd the Mighty One:

"Oh! gaze, Creator, gaze around,
And see what brilliant tints abound.
The poppy, with its flaming breast,
Outshines the crimson of the west;
The speedwell, with its azure hue,
Peeps out and mocks the southern blue;
The foxglove shakes its ruby bells;
With purple pride the orchis swells;
The dog-rose, with its dewy charms,
Can lure the wild bee to its arms;
The cornflower and the asphodel
Are homes where golden moths will dwell;
The primrose glitters in the beam,
The pearly lily gems the stream;
The violet in its regal dress
Wins the young Zephyr's soft caress;
The pimpernel, with scarlet star,
Spangles the hill-top—trailing far:
All, all beside, are seen to wear
Garbs richly gay, or sweetly fair
The meanest of my kindred shine
With hues of rarer tint than mine.
Oh! who will praise, or who will seek
My simple form and scentless cheek?"

"Hush!" said the Spirit, "well I know
Thou hast no gaudy leaves to show;
But listen! Learn what thou wilt be:
Then change with any flower or tree.

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